Indian Air Force News & Discussions

[kurup]

IAF dependent on maintenance command: Air chief

The operational capability of Indian Air Force is critically dependent on the efficiency of maintenance command, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha told his commanders here today.

“The maintenance command is the largest command in terms of number of units, manpower and geographical area of responsibility.

“The need of the hour is to enhance the lateral communication of depots with the field units by regular interaction as service providers to the user stations, and vice versa,” Raha said, adding both the agencies need to visit each other and make a road map to improve operational capabilities.

Raha was addressing the IAF Maintenance Commanders conference on the second day, at Vayusena Nagar here.

He also asked local commanders of the Maintenance Command to exploit their depots strength in improving their performance further.

The IAF chief said the most important challenge before the commanders is identification of problem areas and addressing them with quantifiable corrective short-term and long-term measures.

The IAF chief also stressed on taking holistic approach for various aspects like training, self-reliance and self-sufficiency, a defence release said.

“The stations under Maintenance Command must transform themselves into the centres of excellence. The ‘life cycle plan’ or the strategic plan is the key to success for an end-to-end solution for pursuing indigenisation and outsourcing. Maintenance safety is an important Key Result Area for the Chief of Air Staff,” Raha said.

IAF dependent on maintenance command: Air chief | idrw.org

 

[kurup]

Ukraine troubles threaten Indian air force fleet

The Crimean crisis threatens to ground the Indian Air Force’s transport fleet.The mainstay of the fleet — the Antonov 32 aircraft which ferries troops, special forces and cargo to the frontiers with Pakistan and China is Ukrainian.

The transport fleet now also has two US-origin aircraft, the C-130J Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III. But the AN32 is the workhorse. The Kiev-headquartered Antonov company is currently upgrading the IAF’s entire fleet of 105 AN32 turbo-prop aircraft.

The IAF rates the AN32 high on safety, and its pilots claim that it can fly even if one of its two engines fails. The contract to upgrade the IAF’s fleet was signed in 2009, days after an AN32 crashed near the Mechuka advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh near the China frontier.

The agreement to give the IAF’s AN32 aircraft a total technical life extension of 15-20 years was signed with Ukraine’s state-owned military trade firm, SpetsTechnoExport. It was reached about a week after the AN32 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Mechuka in June 2009.

Under the agreement, Ukraine was to modernise about 40 of the IAF’s AN32 aircraft. The rest were to be upgraded at the IAF’s 1 Base Repair Depot (1BRD) in Kanpur under the supervision of Ukrainian specialists. SpetsTechnoExport claims that 35 of the aircraft have already been upgraded.

The AN32s were procured by India in the 1980s. The upgrade programme, initially estimated to cost $400 million, involves a refit of major systems as well as strengthening the airframes.

The Ukrainian specialists have been contracted to equip the AN32 with glass cockpit displays and even changing the layout of the cockpits and improve flight management systems.

But the violence in Ukraine and the geopolitical tensions are worrying not only diplomats and military personnel but also the Ukrainian specialists who are fearful of how the changes will impact their and their families’ lives.

In a written reply to Parliament in July 2009, defence minister A.K. Antony had said: “A contract for total technical life extension, overhaul and re-equipment of AN32 fleet has been concluded with SpetsTechnoExport, Ukraine, to overhaul and upgrade these planes, as part of the IAF fleet management approach.

“The project includes calendar life extension up to 40 years, overhaul and re-equipment of AN32 aircraft. There were no conditionalities at the time of acquisition of AN32 with the Russian government.”

When the AN32s were first contracted, Ukraine was a Soviet republic. An estimated 30 per cent of the former Soviet Republic’s military industrial complex was based in Ukraine.

Since the dismantling of the Soviet Union, India has continued to depend on Ukraine not only for its Antonov aircraft but also for the supply of engines for the Indian Navy’s Delhi-class warships (destroyers). The Antonov company’s military trade with India is more than 50 years old.

Ukraine troubles threaten Indian air force fleet | idrw.org

 

[kurup]

Indian Air Force officials come calling on Tuki

Air officer commanding-in chief of Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal R K Jolly and Air vice marshal Praveen Bhatt called on CM Nabam Tuki on Wednesday to discuss issues related to the projects of the Indian Air Force in Arunachal Pradesh.

The AOC-in-Chief assured Tuki that the Air Force was keen to work in the social sector, including organizing medical camps in remote areas, for the benefit of local residents.

Tuki appreciated the Air Force’s goodwill gesture of extending services to the state’s residents at critical times, official sources said here on Thursday. He also promised support to a proposal of the Air Force for establishing an Air Force Liaison Cell in the vicinity of the state capital.

Chief secretary Ramesh Negi, who was present at the discussion session, resolved to convene a meeting of all concerned officials and departments soon to take up the issues raised by the Air Force. He added that the departments would work to ensure that Air Force projects in the state were completed successfully without further delay, sources said.

Also present at the meeting were parliamentary secretary for land management, Padi Richo, commissioner personnel, K R Meena, secretary (planning), Sonam Chombay, and secretary (land management), Belatee Pertin, sources added.

Indian Air Force officials come calling on Tuki | idrw.org

 

[Abingdonboy]

Ukraine troubles threaten Indian air force fleet

The Crimean crisis threatens to ground the Indian Air Force’s transport fleet.The mainstay of the fleet — the Antonov 32 aircraft which ferries troops, special forces and cargo to the frontiers with Pakistan and China is Ukrainian.

The transport fleet now also has two US-origin aircraft, the C-130J Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III. But the AN32 is the workhorse. The Kiev-headquartered Antonov company is currently upgrading the IAF’s entire fleet of 105 AN32 turbo-prop aircraft.

The IAF rates the AN32 high on safety, and its pilots claim that it can fly even if one of its two engines fails. The contract to upgrade the IAF’s fleet was signed in 2009, days after an AN32 crashed near the Mechuka advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh near the China frontier.

The agreement to give the IAF’s AN32 aircraft a total technical life extension of 15-20 years was signed with Ukraine’s state-owned military trade firm, SpetsTechnoExport. It was reached about a week after the AN32 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Mechuka in June 2009.

Under the agreement, Ukraine was to modernise about 40 of the IAF’s AN32 aircraft. The rest were to be upgraded at the IAF’s 1 Base Repair Depot (1BRD) in Kanpur under the supervision of Ukrainian specialists. SpetsTechnoExport claims that 35 of the aircraft have already been upgraded.

The AN32s were procured by India in the 1980s. The upgrade programme, initially estimated to cost $400 million, involves a refit of major systems as well as strengthening the airframes.

The Ukrainian specialists have been contracted to equip the AN32 with glass cockpit displays and even changing the layout of the cockpits and improve flight management systems.

But the violence in Ukraine and the geopolitical tensions are worrying not only diplomats and military personnel but also the Ukrainian specialists who are fearful of how the changes will impact their and their families’ lives.

In a written reply to Parliament in July 2009, defence minister A.K. Antony had said: “A contract for total technical life extension, overhaul and re-equipment of AN32 fleet has been concluded with SpetsTechnoExport, Ukraine, to overhaul and upgrade these planes, as part of the IAF fleet management approach.

“The project includes calendar life extension up to 40 years, overhaul and re-equipment of AN32 aircraft. There were no conditionalities at the time of acquisition of AN32 with the Russian government.”

When the AN32s were first contracted, Ukraine was a Soviet republic. An estimated 30 per cent of the former Soviet Republic’s military industrial complex was based in Ukraine.

Since the dismantling of the Soviet Union, India has continued to depend on Ukraine not only for its Antonov aircraft but also for the supply of engines for the Indian Navy’s Delhi-class warships (destroyers). The Antonov company’s military trade with India is more than 50 years old.

Ukraine troubles threaten Indian air force fleet | idrw.org

So is there an actual threat to the IAF's AN-32 fleet or has some Indian journo simply tried to find an Indian angle to the entire Ukrainian crisis and come up with the fact that AN-32s are of Ukrainian origin?

 

[Gessler]

So is there an actual threat to the IAF's AN-32 fleet or has some Indian journo simply tried to find an Indian angle to the entire Ukrainian crisis and come up with the fact that AN-32s are of Ukrainian origin?

You expect IDRW to come up with something better, and you will be disappointed. These journos manage
to drive even the nicest people mad with their pointless articles.

 

[sudhir007]

Sarla Thakral
"The first Indian woman to fly. In 1936, She earned a pilot license and flew a Gypsy Moth. The sari as a flying overall looks so graceful! Says so much about this apparel!"

In an Interview she had mentioned that her husband had got her into flying . He would later die in a crash. She carried on.

She trained in Karachi (IIRC) and her instructor was Bill Jones" says Jagan Pillarisetti.

 

[kurup]

Air Marshal to visit Jaisalmer today

Air Marshal Daljit Singh, AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command, will be on a two-day visit to Air Force Station Jaisalmer from March 10, 2014.
Air Marshal Daljit Singh will be accompanied by his wife Harjeet Kaur, president, Air Force Wives Welfare Association (Regional).

Defence spokesperson Colonel SD Goswami said that during his visit, the Air Marshal will inspect various combat and support units and sections of forward frontline air base and also interact with all the air warriors. They will be received by Air Commodore Chandramouli, AOC Jaisalmer and his wife, Shalini Singh president, AFWWA (Local).

The Air Marshal will also visit units in Pokhran firing ranges.

On March 11, the AOC-in-C will visit Uttarlai Air base (Barmer) as part of his inspection programme. Air Force Station Uttarlai, also known as ‘desert vanguard’ is an important forward base support unit in Rajasthan.

Air Marshal to visit Jaisalmer today | idrw.org

 

[RPK]

Super Hercules aircraft lands at Kargil for first time : Pravasi Today - NRI & PIO News Portal

NewDelhi,March 10 : The newly acquired strategic aircraft by the Indian Air Force C -130-J called as Super Hercules landed at Kargil airfield for the first time on Friday.

Once it’s get fully operational it will be a great boost for the civilian population and will play an important role for the military planning in future.

Beside this the humanitarian efforts of the Indian Air Force continues with the airlifting of large number of stranded local population from far flung areas of Ladakh, Jammu and Srinagar region by the mighty jet of IAF i.e IL-76.

People who were stranded during winters were able to meet their relatives and families at Kargil, Jammu and Srinagar.

A large number of students and teachers were also there who can start their school on time after their winter vacations.

On Friday, about 650 passengers including children, ladies and students were airlifted from Jammu, Leh and Srinagar.

The welfare and humanitarian efforts of the Indian Air Force for the local population continues in all possible ways and the same will continue in future.

 

[Jai_Hind]

Women physically not suited for flying fighter planes: Air Force chief



Women are physically not suited to fly fighter planes, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said today. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, the Air Force chief said women are physically not suited for the job and they might face problems while flying fighter planes.

He was responding to questions on why women are not allowed to fly fighter planes of the Indian Air Force when the forces of Pakistan and China had allowed them. “As far as flying fighter planes are concerned, it is a very challenging job. Women are by nature not physically suited for flying fighter planes for long hours, especially when they are pregnant or have other health problems,” he said. Raha further said that women are employed in various other departments of the force and are doing extremely well.

When asked about crashes involving Air Force planes, he said the number of accidents have come down in the last three four years. On the induction of Tejas light combat aircraft, he said the Air Force had to get final clearance after which it would be inducted. Raha denied reports that there was a shortage of manpower in the Air Force and said efforts are on to provide better training before bringing them on the field.



Women physically not suited for flying fighter planes: Air Force chief | idrw.org

 

[skysthelimit]

Women physically not suited for flying fighter planes: Air Force chief



Women are physically not suited to fly fighter planes, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said today. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, the Air Force chief said women are physically not suited for the job and they might face problems while flying fighter planes.

He was responding to questions on why women are not allowed to fly fighter planes of the Indian Air Force when the forces of Pakistan and China had allowed them. “As far as flying fighter planes are concerned, it is a very challenging job. Women are by nature not physically suited for flying fighter planes for long hours, especially when they are pregnant or have other health problems,” he said. Raha further said that women are employed in various other departments of the force and are doing extremely well.

When asked about crashes involving Air Force planes, he said the number of accidents have come down in the last three four years. On the induction of Tejas light combat aircraft, he said the Air Force had to get final clearance after which it would be inducted. Raha denied reports that there was a shortage of manpower in the Air Force and said efforts are on to provide better training before bringing them on the field.



Women physically not suited for flying fighter planes: Air Force chief | idrw.org

Typical sexist crap.

Actually because of their shorter build, women can handle G-forces better than men.

 

[kurup]

Our record in averting accidents has improved, says IAF chief

Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha on Tuesday said that Indian Air Force’s safety record has improved as aging fleets have been phased out.Talking to reporters at Air Force Station in Kanpur, he said that the accident rate last year was only 0.2%. “This year too it has remained the same which is equivalent to any other developed or developing country in the world,” he added.

“The Air Force never flies unsafe aircraft. The aging fleets have been phased out. Both Air Force and Navy are high-tech. Nation spends a lot on increasing capabilities of the forces. We have long term plans for the armed forces especially the IAF which is upgrading its fleets but execution take time. We are upgrading the aircrafts that have outlived half of their lives,” said Arup Raha while answering to a question on the aging fleets.

He further added that replacement of the old fleets would be done through acquisitions. “We will soon acquire MMRC aircrafts, 18 of which will come first and rest will be assembled here,” said Chief of Air Staff.

He added that light combat vehicle Tejas has received Initial Operation Clearance ( IOC). This aircraft has not been flown by the best pilots, he said further.

Replying to a question as to why the women air force officers were not given a chance to fly the combat aircrafts, Chief of Air Staff said that capabilities of women IAF officers was never in doubt but due to certain biological and natural constraints have prevented women from flying combat aircrafts.

“During pregnancy period, women cannot fly the combat aircrafts. They will therefore be away for a long time which will affect the operational flying. Otherwise women are taken lead in every branch of IAF,” said the Air Force Chief while answering question that even Pakistan and China had women fighter pilots.

He ruled out manpower crunch in the Indian Air Force and added that whatever shortage that still existed would be filled up by year end.

On the role of DRDO, Chief of Air Staff said that DRDO was responsible for development and research and not about the safety of the aircrafts.

He further said that DRDO does not take away the major chunk of the defence budget. Even the budget of Rs 2000 crore for development and research work is not much in comparison to the other countries.

Our record in averting accidents has improved, says IAF chief | idrw.org

 

[kurup]

IAF Chief to Visit Eastern Sector

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha will embark on a four-day visit to the eastern sector and the tri-service Port Blair-headquartered Andaman and Nicobar military command and will review the preparedness of the force.

The visit to the eastern sector will include meeting with the Kolkata-based Eastern Army Command General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Lt Gen M M S Rai and visits to the Air Force Stations at Kalaikunda and Barrackpore.

While in Kolkata, he is likely to call on West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, apart from visiting the Purulia Sainik School, his alma mater.

In Barrackpore, he will visit the unit of MI-17 V5, which took part in the ‘OP Rahat’, an operation to rescue victims in the floods in north India. For the first time, these helicopters were used to douse forest fires in Nagaland last month with specially fitted ‘bambi buckets’.

The IAF is strengthening its capabilities in the northeast sector by upgrading the ALGs in areas of Pasighat, Mechuka, Walong, Tuting, Ziro and Along, as well as helipads in Arunachal Pradesh.

An empowered committee on the northeast development is continuously monitored for upgrading facilities, creating new infra structure and inducting assets in the region.

“The success of the IAF logistics in an inaccessible terrain of the northeastern region lies in the man-mission-machine interface,” Raha said, while talking about his visit to the eastern sector.

From the eastern sector, the IAF chief will go to Port Blair, where he will be on a visit to the tri-service Andaman and Nicobar Command. The responsibility of this command, apart from defence of our island territories, is to assist in prevention of smuggling, piracy, drug and gun trafficking, poaching and illegal immigration in the region.

IAF Chief to Visit Eastern Sector | idrw.org

 

[kurup]

Indian Air Force, MoD fight it out over basic trainer plans

India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is locked in a stand-off with the Indian Air Force (IAF) over how to meet its long-delayed requirement for 181 basic trainer aircraft (BTA).

The IAF is committed to license-building 106 Swiss Pilatus PC-7 Mk II tandem-seat basic turbo-trainers – a follow-on order to the 75 it acquired in 2012 for USD1 billion. The MoD is equally committed to the indigenous development of a BTA, a programme, however, that is nowhere near completion.

The new BTA will replace the IAF’s fleet of 180-200 locally built Hindustan Piston Trainer 32 (HPT-32) aircraft that were grounded in July 2009 following a number of accidents.

Indian Air Force, MoD fight it out over basic trainer plans | idrw.org

 

[kurup]

President’s Standard to 112 Helicopter Unit & President’s Colours to 4 Base Repair Depot

Kanpur: Pranab Mukherjee, the President of India, awarded the prestigious President’s Standard to 112 Helicopter Unit and President’s Colours to 4 Base Repair Depot in a grand ceremonial parade held at Air Force Station Kanpur, this morning. The President’s Standard is awarded to operational Units and Colours are awarded to non-flying formations based on their past record and achievements during peace as well as hostilities. The Commanding Officer of 112 Helicopter Unit, Wing Commander Manish Sharma received the Standard and Gp Capt S Shrinivas, Commanding Officer of 4 Base Repair Depot received the Colours. The Parade was commanded by Group Captain S Shrinivas, Commanding Officer of 4 Base Repair Depot.

112 Helicopter Unit is the alma-mater of all Medium Lift Helicopters (MLH), a premier training establishment, which has been consistently training Pilots, Flight Engineers and Flight Gunners for achieving highest professional standards. In its glorious and meritorious 50 years of service, the Unit has time and again responded to many a call of duty and excelled in delivering the desired results. 4 Base Repair Depot, a premier maintenance establishment was established on 01 Dec 1965. Since its inception, the Unit has kept pace with the technological advances and gained domain expertise in the field of aero engine overhaul.

The Governor of UP B L Joshi was present during the award ceremony. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha Param Vishisht Seva Medal Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vayusena Medal Aide-de-Camp, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal PS Gill Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vayusena Medal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Training Command, Air Marshal P Kanakaraj Ati Vishisht Seva Medal Vishisht Seva Medal, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, Air Marshal HB Rajaram Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal, Air Officer-in-charge Administration along with other senior Defence and Civilian dignitaries also witnessed the ceremony. The President also released a First Day Cover for 112 Helicopter Unit and 4 Base Repair Depot during the ceremony.

President’s Standard to 112 Helicopter Unit & President’s Colours to 4 Base Repair Depot

 

[kurup]

3,500th Export Mi-17 Goes to IAF

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will receive the 3,500th export version of the Mi-17 as part of an ongoing contract Mi-17V-5 helicopters signed with Russian Helicopters back in 2012.

The company states that an original order in 2008 for 80 Mi-17V-5s was met and that a further requirement for 71 was issued by India in 2012-13. These are currently in production and are being fitted with the KNEI-8 avionics suite and the PKV-8 autopilot.

Russian Helicopters CEO Alexander Mikheev explained that around 250 Russian built helicopters are operational in India.

3,500th Export Mi-17 Goes to IAF | idrw.org